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Department of Theatre and Performance Studies produces "The SpongeBob Musical"
Story by Kathie Beckett; Photography by Casey Gardner Ford
Award-winning musical reiterates that “The power of optimism really can save the world!”
For a few short weeks in April 2022, the Stillwell Theater stage was transformed into the undersea world of Bikini Bottom as the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TPS) presented The SpongeBob Musical. Adapted from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, the colorful and vibrant musical is an uplifting tale of overcoming the odds and celebrating the joy of life. An Atlanta-area premiere, this production was based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg and book by Kyle Jarrow and was directed by TPS Professor Amanda Wansa Morgan.
The story begins as SpongeBob and the sea creatures who inhabit Bikini Bottom are confronted with the total annihilation of their world. All hope seems lost, but our unlikely hero saves the day. An affectionate and timely satire of our individual and political foibles, The SpongeBob Musical affirms community, teamwork, and trust in one’s full potential.
The irony of staging a musical about an apocalyptic event right after a real-life pandemic wasn’t lost on director Morgan. “When we chose to produce The SpongeBob Musical, it was centered around ‘Hey, this would be fun, the casting is incredibly diverse, and we can make some cool creative choices,’” explained Morgan. Now, at the core of the play is a story that is perhaps more relevant now than when it debuted on Broadway in 2016.
Morgan continued, “The point of the production was to focus on how we are doing as a community, how we help each other. It’s so much more necessary now than ever before, to listen to each other, work together, and find solutions.” Somehow, solving the world’s problems is easier when the audience is transported into a magical world. Artist contributors include David Bowie, Panic at the Disco, Sara Bareilles, Yolanda Adams, Plain White T’s, John Legend and many more. “It was a great challenge for our students to sing in so many different vocal styles. They were accompanied by a live band of 14 musicians, comprised of KSU students, faculty, and professionals,” says Morgan. Choreography was led by TPS professor Timothy Ellis.
The SpongeBob Musical ensemble cast was accompanied by a live band of 14 musicians.
Transforming the Stillwell Theatre into Bikini Bottom took some creativity, and TPS stepped up to the challenge. The Theatre lighting class, led by Professor Brandon Bagwell, built practical lighting fixtures to transport the audience from sitting in the Theater to sitting under the sea, all without getting wet. Another group of students worked on the puppets, the headpieces, and the costume crafts. Professor Summer Lee Jack led the students in colorful costume design. Another team of students focused only on props. The set design, led by TPS Professor and Set Designer Ming Chen, mimicked a beautiful ocean. •
From left: Abigail Folds as Patrick Star and Brooklyn Norrington as SpongeBob SquarePants.
